SCAM ALERT: New Fingerprint and DNA Testing Scams

If you receive a phone call or a package in the mail asking for your personal information,

DO NOT RESPOND!

The Elder Rights Center at the Area Agency on Aging helps older adults who have experienced crime such as fraud, scams, and identity theft. We recently learned about the two new scams listed below. Please share widely to help prevent scammers from harming our community members!

Fingerprint scam: The scammer pretends to be from Medicare or Medicaid and sends you a package in the mail. The package contains a fingerprinting card. The package says that Medicare or Medicaid needs your fingerprints and instructs you to put your fingerprints on the card and return the card. The package may have a message saying “Do not open until you call this number.” That phone number goes to a scammer who may offer to come pick up your fingerprints. They may also ask for your Medicare or Medicaid number and other personal information.

If you receive something like this, do not send your fingerprints or share your personal information!

If you have questions, contact Medicare at 1-800-633-4227 or Medicaid at 1-877-267-2323, or use the telephone number on the back of your card.

DNA testing scam: The scammer calls about a “free genetic testing” opportunity or sends a DNA testing kit in the mail. They may say it is covered by Medicare or Medicaid as a free screening for cancer or another disease. The scammer tells you to swab your cheek and send the DNA kit back through the mail. The scammer also asks for your Medicare or Medicaid information and states that the test is covered by your plan.

If you receive something like this, do not provide your personal information or Medicare number, and do not send your DNA sample!

If you have questions, contact Medicare at 1-800-633-4227 or Medicaid at 1-877-267-2323, or use the telephone number on the back of your card.

Both of these scams can result in fraudulent Medicare or Medicaid billing. The scammer may make false charges to your plan, and your DNA and fingerprint information may be compromised.

Never share any personal information unless you have verified the request by calling a number you know, such as the phone number listed on your Medicare or Medicaid card.

The key to scam prevention is sharing information! You can make a difference by sharing information about scams with your family, friends, faith leaders, homeowner’s association, or anyone else who can pass it forward and reach more people.

If you have been the victim of a scam, please contact us at 561-684-5885 and ask for the Elder Rights Center.